How to fix INVALID_AFFINITY_SET BSoD error in Windows 11/10

What is INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error

One of the more uncommon but technically significant Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors in Windows 10 and 11 is the INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error. This issue is identified by the bug check value 0x00000003 and typically indicates a problem with thread affinity, which refers to the assignment of threads to specific processors. When Windows fails to assign threads properly due to a corrupted structure, misconfigured settings, or incompatible drivers, this error may occur. Users often encounter this issue while booting or shutting down Windows, or during the installation of new hardware or software. It might also appear suddenly when a particular driver or system process malfunctions, causing your system to crash. This error is generally associated with device driver problems, faulty RAM, or registry corruption. It may also be triggered by malware infections or disk-related issues like bad sectors. Because it can originate from several underlying causes, pinpointing the exact reason is essential for a lasting fix. Fortunately, there are multiple solutions available that address both hardware and software-based causes. Understanding when the issue started and what changes were made to the system can help narrow down the right fix. In this guide, we’ll explore all the proven methods to correct the INVALID_AFFINITY_SET BSoD error in Windows 11/10.

Step-by-step instructions to fix INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error

1. Update Device Drivers

Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers are one of the leading causes of the INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error. Updating them may resolve the issue.

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand each category and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
3. Right-click on the problematic device and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

Updating each driver manually is time- and energy-consuming. If you are willing to save it and update drivers faster, we recommend using a special utility called Driver Booster from IObit. It has broad databases of drivers for all of the devices you need to maintain your PC. You can download it using the button below.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted or missing system files can also lead to BSoD errors like INVALID_AFFINITY_SET. The SFC utility helps scan and fix these issues.

1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that address system bugs, including those that may cause BSoD errors. Keeping Windows up to date can resolve the INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
4. Restart your PC after the updates are installed.

4. Scan for Malware

Malware infections can corrupt system files and drivers, triggering BSoD errors. Performing a full system scan can help detect and remove malicious threats.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Quick scan or Scan options to perform a full scan.

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5. Perform a Memory Check

Faulty RAM is another common cause of BSoD errors. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can help identify memory issues.

1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
2. Select Restart now and check for problems.
3. Allow your PC to restart and scan your memory for issues.

6. Check Hard Disk for Errors

Disk-related problems like bad sectors can also result in the INVALID_AFFINITY_SET error. Use CHKDSK to scan and repair disk issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f /r
3. If prompted, type Y to schedule the scan on restart.
4. Restart your PC to allow the scan to proceed.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps isolate software conflicts that may be causing the error.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
4. Disable each startup item and restart your PC.

8. Restore Windows to a Previous State

If the error started recently, using System Restore can revert any recent changes that may have caused the issue.

1. Press Win + S, type Restore, and select Create a restore point.
2. Click System Restore, then Next.
3. Choose a restore point before the issue began and follow the prompts.

9. Reinstall Windows (as a last resort)

If none of the above methods work, reinstalling Windows may be necessary to fix deep system corruption or configuration issues.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Click Reset this PC and choose whether to keep or remove your files.
4. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.